Fine art albums and print products for professional photographers
At Folio Albums, our commitment to environmentally friendly, green practices and sustainable policies is deeply ingrained in our ethos. Recognising the profound impact of our photography industry on the environment, we prioritise conscious choices to positively influence our planet.
Our approach with Folio Albums has always been to marry the craftsmanship of the past with the technology of today.
To take what was great about historical processes and materials and bring it forward into the future – but without damaging our planet or its potential.
Folio Albums is committed to supporting print-passionate photographers with handcrafted, high-quality fine art products designed with a low environmental impact
We have started well, but the journey does not end.
Folio Albums was created with eco credentials at its core. We started by sourcing eco-friendly materials, papers, packaging, and even suppliers. We were also one of the first European companies to exclusively print using inkjet, meaning that unlike other suppliers, we do not use silver-halide chemical printing.
Our move to a state of the art workshop in 2013 was a significant step, placing sustainability at the forefront. The workshop, with a B energy rating, is climate-controlled, lit with low-energy LED lighting, and powered by green electricity.
This year saw a focused effort on reducing waste through lean manufacturing techniques in our production processes. Additionally, we transitioned to a carbon-neutral server network with ANS, aligning our server practices with our commitment to sustainability.
Investing in more space and doubling our workshop in 2019 allowed us to accommodate larger stock, resulting in reduced carbon footprint. Lean manufacturing practices and operations were further enhanced, contributing to our sustainability goals.
June is typically a quiet month as photographers gear up for the wedding season, which is why we drop to a 4-day working week. This allows us to reduce our carbon footprint with fewer commutes and less energy usage. We also switch to shipping twice per week instead of daily to further reduce our impact by consolidating shipments.
As a responsible business, we actively review and implement new ways to minimise our impact on the environment. Below are just some of the ways we do this:
Crafted for enduring beauty, our products are designed to last a lifetime without compromising the delicate balance of the environment and its global ecosystem. All materials are sourced from sustainable origins, and we are committed to using 100% recycled materials whenever feasible.
In our quest for suppliers, we carefully select those who share our dedication to environmental protection. The paper we use is FSC-approved and the leather adheres to strict REACH standards, is not chrome-tanned and is produced in the EU. We support the use of leather for its natural and durable qualities and our leather is always a by-product of the meat industry meaning it doesn’t go to landfill.
If you are interested in the eco credentials of any specific product, please contact us. We are eager to share the details of our commitment to environmental sustainability.
While we want our products to last for generations, we aim for packaging that leaves no enduring environmental footprint. By incorporating recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible, we take pride in the fact that our packaging is entirely free of plastics.
Our chosen packaging supplier not only provides recycled cardboard, they use solar panels to generate their own electricity and have a state-of-the-art energy efficiency compressor and a waste extraction system that bales waste for resale.
After much research, we chose DHL and DPD as our shipping partners. Largely due to their carbon-neutral approach, actively offsetting all CO2 emissions and strong commitment to limiting their impact on the environment. We also do our bit by combining orders wherever possible to reduce the number of shipments, and allow people to collect from us if they prefer.
Our cover materials are chosen with sustainability in mind, ensuring every album is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful.
Common environmental issues linked with fabric materials often involve the use of synthetics like polyester which is why we don't offer faux velvets. With a commitment to eco-friendly practices, our fabric range prioritises materials such as rayon, cotton, and linen blends, ensuring they contain no microplastics.
There's a misconception that leather alternatives are more eco-friendly than genuine leather. However, due to the substantial demand in the meat trade, disposing of leather in landfills is emerging as a significant issue. Utilising leather as a by-product of the meat industry helps prevent substantial waste, offering a sustainable solution. Opting for genuine leather not only avoids additional landfill waste but also ensures the use of a high-quality, long-lasting material.
Our silks are sourced from a manufacturer that's passionate about its corporate responsibility. Their quality assurance system was certified in accordance with ISO 9001 back in 1993 and they are always looking to incorporate new sustainable methods. The silk is luxurious and high quality, meaning its longevity also contributes to its sustainable variables.
We strive to minimise or eliminate waste whenever possible. Following the handcrafting of our leather goods, we always have leather off-cuts. In an effort to give these remnants a new purpose, we introduced upcycle leather boxes. These boxes contain leather offcuts and are available for a nominal charge to cover shipping. Alternatively, you can collect them for free from our workshop.
We envision these materials being repurposed for new and exciting projects, whether you’re into crafting, have a specific project in mind, or simply want to create something unique, like a new pair of earrings. The possibilities are diverse, from crafting motorbike seats to designing passport covers. We’ve seen some amazing examples of upcycling our leather.
Find yourself here with a question?
As a professional photographer, you know that every wedding you capture is a unique work of art. Just like selecting the right lens or finding the perfect lighting, choosing the ideal album manufacturer is a crucial decision that can make or break your client’s experience.
At Folio Albums, we’re not just about crafting stunning albums; we’re also about building meaningful relationships with professional photographers. We want to be your trusted partner on this incredible adventure.
No matter what queries are on your mind, we’re ready to have a conversation. Click the “Schedule a Call” button below, and let’s arrange a time to discuss how we can complement your photography with our exceptional albums. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, we’re here to support you and your business.
Feedback we love to share
I use Folio for all my albums and they’ve never let me down! They’re high quality and I know I can trust them. I’m also dying to do a factory tour because I just know it’ll be wonderful to see it all in action! The team are fab on the chat help and I feel like I actually know them, which you can’t say for many bigger companies.
Anna Pumer
Anna Pumer Photography
Couldn’t recommend the team or the products from Folio highly enough, simply the best service, help and support and products which have a quality and style that is absolutely top notch – thanks for being awesome – can’t wait to get my next lot of ordered goods!
Victoria Adams
Victoria Adams Photography
I could not be happier with the quality of Folio Album products; prints and albums are just stunning. My clients are so happy about how the images look and also about how the paper feels at the touch. Superior quality! But this is not all. Folio Albums Customer Service is incredibly helpful, kind and fast at answering any query or at resolving any mistake I sometimes make when ordering my product. I could not work with anybody else but Folio Albums.
Mauro Arena
Mauro Arena Photographer